Chapter Seven #2
“You’re asking for permission? That’s new.”
“Your boss is here. I’m trying to behave.”
The emphasis made me chuckle.
“She’s behaving oddly tonight. She’s been like this ever since she saw me look at your profile."
"You stalked me?"
Shoot. Why did I bring that up?
I cleared my throat. “I was curious.”
He leaned in closer. "You can ask me anything you want."
I held his gaze, determined not to balk even though I was melting from the sheer heat and masculinity rolling off him.
"Meredith, Cade. Good to see you two together,” Sonya said. I hadn’t noticed her return. Damn, she’s been like a ninja today.
She looked back and forth between the two of us with a smile. "You've been holding out on me. You didn't tell me you’re such good friends. This is even better than I hoped."
Better? For what?
"Since you have an in with Cade, I'll just lay all my cards on the table," Sonya continued. "I’m interested in selling Sonya's Blends. To be honest, the reason I entered this competition at all was in the hopes of catching the eye of a big fish."
I felt as if she'd thrown a bucket of ice-cold water at me.
She wants to sell? What the hell? When did she start planning this? I’d just gotten this promotion, and she hadn’t said one word.
My vision blurred for a few seconds. I drew a deep breath, but I couldn’t help the panicky feeling in my throat.
My job was not secure, and I'd had no clue of that until now.
If Sonya ended up selling, that was bad news. The buyer usually brought their own management team, too, and got rid of the old one.
"I see," Cade replied in a measured tone.
"We should set up a meeting to discuss this in more detail. Meredith, I’m sure you can arrange something for us,” Sonya said with a wink. "Now, I'm going to grab a glass of champagne and toast to your friendship.”
I was too stunned to react at all. I watched her walk to the bar as if she hadn't just rocked my world.
"Meredith?" Cade asked. He sounded tentative for the first time.
I looked up at him. "What was up with that? Why didn’t you tell her we just met again last week?"
“Why didn’t you?”
“I was too shocked.” Surely he could tell by the look on my face.
The slight grin was back. "And I was just playing along."
"What would you have done if she thought we were dating?"
His eyes flashed as he leaned in. "Kissed you right here in front of her to seal the deal."
I licked my lips. "I can’t believe that’s where your mind went."
"Yep. I was surprised by that myself."
Did I secretly want him to kiss me? My nipples perked up at the thought alone.
I sighed. "I need to talk to Sonya."
His brow furrowed. "She blindsided you with this information, didn't she?"
"Completely," I admitted. "I have no idea why she didn't even warn me before." I really didn’t. I was a little hurt.
The corner of his mouth lifted. "Give her hell."
"She's my boss. That would be a career-limiting move."
"Didn't you say you don't play by the rules, Meredith?"
I didn't usually. But I wanted to keep my job, not antagonize my boss.
I honestly couldn’t believe this was happening.
“I’ll talk to my assistant,” Cade said. “He’ll contact you with meeting options.”
“You’re considering this?”
“Why not? We’re always looking to grow our business.”
I didn’t know if it was a good thing or a bad thing that he was considering it.
“It was good seeing you tonight.”
“You’re leaving already?” I asked him.
“Do I detect a bit of regret?”
“You’re not a terrible conversation partner,” I teased. “When you’re not mocking my work ethic.”
He laughed, arranging his tie. “Colton texted me that he wants to go out for a drink. He’s been locked in his lab for almost a year, so I can’t pass up this opportunity. Knowing him, he’d probably just go back to work.”
Oh, that warmed my heart. The Whitley brothers had always been close, and I was happy to see things hadn't changed.
“Go have fun with your brother.” Probably for the best anyway. I needed to figure out what the heck was going on with Sonya and my job.
After he left, I scoured the room for my boss. She was at the bar, alone, watching me as I approached.
“The champagne is really good,” she said. “Do you want a glass?”
I might not want to antagonize her, but I didn't want to tiptoe around her either. "No, thank you. I wanted to talk to you about the potential sale of the company."
"Oh yes, I thought you seemed a bit surprised."
I decided to be honest with her—after all, that was how we'd always worked in the past. “To be frank, Sonya, I was blindsided. You didn't mention any plans to sell when you promoted me."
Sonya shrugged. "Would you have taken the job?"
"No," I admitted. It would look bad on my résumé if I was promoted to a position of leadership only to lose it in a couple months. And she obviously knew that. So much for our stellar working relationship. Like Dad always said, business was business.
"See? That's why I didn't disclose it. I needed someone very good at marketing who could make sure we stayed in this competition for as long as possible. And I knew you were just that person."
"Do you have a timeline for the sale?"
"As soon as possible.” Her quick response bothered me, and I was sure she could tell.
“I want to retire, girl. I've worked hard for forty years. I’m tired.
I want to take whatever money they're willing to give me and enjoy myself.
I've had my eye on one of those around-the-world cruises for quite some time.” My jaw was practically on the floor.
She obviously noticed. “Meredith, I know this is a surprise.
Just see me through this competition. Besides, you never know if the sale will work out or not. "
"What if it doesn't?" I asked. "Do you have a contingency plan?"
She sighed, taking a sip of champagne. I was completely unnerved, waiting for her answer as I watched her swallow.
I felt like she was searching for the right words and buying herself time before she responded.
"I could try taking longer breaks, more vacations or long weekend getaways as long as I find someone trustworthy to lead the company while I'm gone.
" She looked at me speculatively. "You’re a candidate. "
"Me?" I was stunned now. Was this just Sonya buttering me up, or was she really considering me for this level of responsibility?
"Yes, you have what it takes to be CEO. I could become an advisor or something. It would require less of my time and give me an opportunity to enjoy life a bit more."
Nah, I knew what she was doing. She was baiting me so I wouldn't be tempted to search for another job. Damn it. This is so frustrating. All I wanted was a good salary so I could afford my rent and also help my parents with theirs. I didn't need this kind of insecurity.
"Look, Meredith, if the sale is successful, I can vouch for you so the buyer keeps you as head of marketing.
You're a valuable person. I can't imagine that they wouldn't find a place for you in the company.
Especially if the buyer ends up being Cade Whitley.
I'm sure he wouldn't leave you without employment. " She winked at me.
Oh. My. God. The boss who I thought I got along with so well, the boss who I thought confided in me wholeheartedly was giving me a line of bullshit.
"I don't take handouts," I replied instantly.
"And I admire you for that. Just stick with me through this competition."
I swallowed hard. "I will, of course, because I was promoted to do this job well and I don’t do anything half-assed."